Surname Neimeyer - Meaning and Origin
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Neimeyer: What does the surname Neimeyer mean?
The last name Neimeyer is a German surname that likely derives from a combination of the words “nein” (no) and “meyer” (large). Originating as a topographic name, the surname can mean ‘the large one who says no’, and is thought to have described the head of the family or village.
The origin of Neimeyer is likely to have been found in southwestern Germany where it has been found in early records of the region. The earliest recorded example of the surname Neimeyer was found in documents dated to the 16th century, with the earliest spelling being ‘Neyemeyer’. The name also appears elsewhere in the region with variations such as Neimayer and Neymeyer.
Over time Neimeyer has taken on many different variants as it has moved throughout Europe. In England, for example, it has been spelled as Nameier and Naimier, and in France it has been found as Neimier and Neimeur.
Neimeyer is a common German surname today and it has been found in countries throughout the world with emigration. It is associated with the independent personality and someone who is headstrong and uncompromising in their beliefs.
Order DNA origin analysisNeimeyer: Where does the name Neimeyer come from?
The Neimeyer surname is most commonly found in Germany, although it appears in other areas of Europe as well. The Neimeyer surname is found in the regions of Germany corresponding to the former Holy Roman Empire, particularly in the German states of Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, and Bavaria as well as in some parts of Austria. Although there is no comprehensive global research available, in the most recent census reports conducted in 2011, Neimeyer was the ninth-most-commonly found surname in Germany, with approximately 51,000 individuals having the surname.
The Neimeyer surname may have derived from two possible sources. In some areas, the name is thought to originate from the paternal lineage of the Neimeyer family, which held prominence in the area. Others think that it may have evolved from a monastery located in the Osning area, which was in existence in 702 and is believed to have been located in the vicinity of Lemgo, Detmold, or Paderborn in Germany. The name transformed from Moncmede, indicating the home of monks, to Monimeyer, and then to Neimeyer, as people of fewer letters in their last name became more commonplace.
Outside of Germany, Neimeyer may be found in the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria, and parts of the United States, particularly areas of the former Pennsylvania Dutch and German country, such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois. The name Neimeyer can be found amongst the French, Belgian, and Luxembourgish populations as well, as individuals descended from Germanic settlers immigrated to these areas and preserved the name.
Variations of the surname Neimeyer
Neimeyer is an uncommon Germanic surname originating from the early 13th century. It is believed to have been derived from the combination of two separate elements: Niem (meaning “no one”) and Meyer (meaning “head of the household”). This combination of elements translates into the meaning of a strong leader in the family or community. Variations of this surname include: Neumeier, Neumayer, Neumeyer, Niemeyer, Neimeier, Neimayer, Neimeyer, and Nimeyer.
The majority of modern Neimeyers today hail from Germany as well as other parts of Europe. Another prevalent spelling is Neimeier. This is a result of anglicization in countries like the United States and England, in which the letter y is represented by the letter i.
Over the centuries, Neimeyers have integrated into various societies throughout Europe, the Americas, and other parts of the world. As a result, many Neimeyers have developed regional spellings to reflect the new area. Consequently, variations like Nimmeyer and Niemeier can also be found in Germany and other German speaking countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg. In addition, in some areas south of Germany, such as the Alsace region of France, the spelling can be found as Nemeyer, Neimier, Niemeyer, and Nimier.
This surname has also taken a life of its own in the United States. It has been morphed into many different interpretations; some of these include Neymeyer, Niemeyer, Nemeyer, Nimeyer, Neemeier, and Neameyer.
Although all of the different spellings of the Neimeyer surname may appear to be unrelated, they all trace their roots back to the same origin. The variations of this name are evidence of its git through the ages, and its integration into different societies all across the world.
Famous people with the name Neimeyer
- David Neimeyer: former President of Stevenson University in Owings Mill, Maryland.
- Ruth Neimeyer: American actress, best known for her various Broadway performances.
- Rich Neimeyer: American basketball player who played professionally for the New York Knicks from 1984 to 1985.
- Andrea Neimeyer: American soccer player who was part of the United States national team in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup.
- Chris Neimeyer: American editorial artist and children's book illustrator.
- Jenny Neimeyer: American swimmer and four-time Olympic medalist who competed in the 2004 Summer Olympics.
- Neil Neimeyer: American singer and songwriter best known as a founding member of the band Matisyahu.
- Robert Neimeyer: Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Memphis who actively studies grief and bereavement.
- Bill Neimeyer: American professional ice-hockey player who won the NCAA Division I championship with his University of Maine team in 1993.
- Fred Neimeyer: American tennis coach who co-founded the Tennis Coaching Institute in 1975.